Carefree

As a kid, I had a romanticized view of adulthood. I often thought, “Boy, when I grow up, I’ll be free to do anything and buy whatever I want!” Of course, that’s far from reality. Now, I sometimes catch myself daydreaming about my childhood, just to briefly escape the pressures of this life.

Sadly, it’s in our nature to believe that “the grass is greener on the other side.” One glance at the Israelites in Exodus reveals this truth. From the moment their feet stepped out of the Red Sea, doubt and discontentment settled into their hearts. Their song of praise for God’s deliverance soon gave way to a skeptical chorus of ingratitude.

This generation is marked by covetousness. Within a week, the average person is subjected to over a thousand various advertisements, reminding him of all the things he does not have that would make life easier. Many have been deceived into thinking that if they just get more, they will finally be happy and live a life of freedom. However, true and lasting satisfaction is found in contentment. Joy and liberty blossom when our contentment is rooted in Christ. The author of Hebrews once wrote, “Let your conduct be without covetousness; be content with such things as you have. For He Himself has said, 'I will never leave you nor forsake you.' So we may boldly say: 'The Lord is my helper; I will not fear what man can do to me.” (13:5-6 NKJV)

No matter what pressures life may bring, we can take comfort in knowing that God is our Defender and Sustainer. What this world offers is waste compared to “the treasures of wisdom and knowledge” found in Christ. (Colossians 2:3b) We must learn to stop searching for the next big thing, to surrender to the will of God, and to simply rejoice in His love and faithfulness.